Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 973

"Nope."

Gilbert shook his head, a mix of frustration and resignation in his eyes. "Naylor and One, they're not the kind to be easily fooled..."

Then, his face brightened a bit with a wry smile. "But it's worth it, for Jenna's sake. I mean, heck, even if I lost this finger, it'd be the least I owe her..."

His words seemed to strike a chord with Sherilyn, who suddenly stood up, her voice tinged with indignation.

"You think this makes up for everything?"

"I know it doesn't! That's not what I'm trying to do!"

Gilbert was clearly flustered, his face paling.

He hurried to explain, "I'm just worried sick about Jenna. With One being a complete psycho, there's no telling what he might do to her. Every second she's with him, she's in more danger. I can't gamble with Jenna's safety..." He continued, "It's not about making amends or proving anything..."

Sherilyn closed her eyes for a moment, realizing she might have overreacted.

Crumpling the tissue in her hand, she tossed it into the trash can. "You're sweating buckets. Let me get you a towel."

With that, she turned and headed for the bathroom.

Gilbert watched her go, his heart heavy with unsaid feelings....

night but started to subside as dawn

did say the pain tends to

asked, noticing his somewhat eased expression. "Try and get some sleep

nodded,

Sherilyn

muttering, "Sweat... everywhere. It's uncomfortable. Can't sleep

hospital gown was soaked through with

me to get

"Please."

closet and brought back a fresh hospital gown. With his left hand out of commission, she didn't think twice about helping him change. She began to unbutton his gown but stopped after the second button, suddenly aware of the intimacy of the

your clothes, maybe we

good," Gilbert agreed with a

call the

to leave,

"Wait!"

is it?" Sherilyn looked

usual smile gone. "Why call the

changed," Sherilyn replied, genuinely puzzled.

both annoyed and embarrassed.

Sherilyn was taken aback. "I know. What's the problem? She's in her late forties, practically an aunt." She was about the same

"I don't want that!"

stubbornness was on full display, his